Welcome to Canada. Oh, Watch out for the Squirrels!

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

September 21, 2009

Day 5 of Pacific Northwest Journey

It’s time for the first real leg of our road trip. Vancouver is 141.19 miles northwest of Seattle. Almost all of it meant to be driven on the I-5. BUT! If you know me, you know I completely agree with Robert Frost and his whole poem about “taking the road less travelled!” Yes, my friend. Driving 141.19 miles north on one highway...is how shall I say? Boring!!!

About sixteen miles north of Seattle, the I-5 crosses the 525. I point excitedly toward the left and tell Travis to take that road.

This morning when I had explained to

everyone that I wanted to take a different route, I had told them it was all for the views! “Endless miles of asphalt can be mundane! We can see Whidbey Island, Deception Pass...”

They had shrugged; whatever I wanted. They hadn’t consulted a map. Mom had piped up, “How much longer will this take?”

“Ummm...” That’s the part I didn’t want to say. Whidbey Island had one major road through it - the 525 and there were no alternatives.

And we had to take a ferry to actually get to the island...

“It’ll be fun! We are on vacation!!” I beamed. “Ferries are fun!”

This is unlike any ferry I had ever been on. This ferry is luxurious. The upper deck is lined with rows and rows of giant red leather chairs. There is a complete cafeteria, gift shop, and amazing decks for viewing. This is too cool. We rush the front deck. The wind is whipping, freezing our noses, but the air is fresh and crisp. Our eyes drink in Whidbey, the surrounding mountains, the varying shades of blue in the water below - it’s heavenly.

Travis and Penny do a mock of the Titanic scene: “I’m king of the world!”

Suddenly the serene scene is infiltrated by a blistering sirene. My stomach lurches as I realize something. The boat is stopping. This giant vessel is slamming on its break in the middle of the channel. My frightened eyes scan, searching for the cause of the halt. What is wrong?

A gruffy male’s voice comes over the intercom, “We are now stopping for a government safety drill. Do not be alarmed!”

Deep breath. We aren’t dying. We aren’t going to actually end up like Titanic.

But, seriously?? A drill?

A frenzy is forming on the port side. We scuttle over to see what kind of drill is so necessary at nine in the morning. The men are arguing over who has to get in the life boat and be lowered down into the freezing water to circle the boat one full time. None of them are up to it this morning.

WOW!

I roll my eyes. Men.

Finally, after a woman comes over, orders two of them in the boat, lowers it, watches it circle, pulls it back up, the boat is back in motion and we pull up to shore and are ordered to disembark.

Welcome to Whidbey Island! and the 55mph speed limit behind ten other slow moving vehicles.

Travis huffs. He doesn’t like traffic...or low speed limits.

The views! Let’s remember the views.

We curve through the island, taking in the fields, the valleys, the quaint homes, the small towns. Finally we reach Deception Pass - the whole reason, I decided to take the island passage. Deception Pass is a beautiful viewpoint that sprawls between Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island. It is actually a strait between the two, and the bridge overhead offers breathtaking views of the beaches below, the mountains beyond, and the Island ahead. Sail boats sail aimlessly below. Sea otters frolic close to the shore.

Moments like these, remind me how creative God is. The carving of the mountains, the colors of the water. Pure beauty. Pure wonder. Pure amazement in God. He left no detail untouched. Everything is beautifully and wonderfully designed. Mother pulls something out of her purse she bought at the gas station we stopped at just before coming up onto the bridge. Something pink catches my eye.

“Smoked salmon!” She smiles as she dangles it in front of us.

My stomach turns. I love fish. Love it! But not in the morning.

“It’s good.” She gleams at me.

Travis and Penny try it, and they reassure me. “Mmm...it is good. Try it.”

Reluctantly, I take a pinch. I close my eyes and...mmm....it is good. It doesn’t taste fishy. It’s fresh and it’s smoked and it’s a perfect snack over looking the strait. Divinity.

We arrive in Vancouver - a giant gathering of skyscrapers abutting the water - after passing swiftly through border control. Apparently the Canadians didn’t see us as a threat. Our hotel is unique. It’s not your typical holiday inn - which I am all for, but I enjoy a bit of character. I have booked us into a towering, wine-themed hotel perfectly warm with varying shades of burgundy, purple, and red. We ride up in the elevator to the ninth floor. The first thing, I do when mom and I are in the room is jerk the curtains back. I gasp. Gleaming white towers meet my eye. Welcome to the city.

I want to see a whale! The aquarium here features a pack of beluga whales, sea otters, dolphins, jellyfish, tropical fish, and parrots! I’ve always found aquariums to be rather peaceful. We meander, soaking up the colorful fish and enjoy the dolphin show. It’s a relaxant after being in the car.

Afterwards, we head to the infamous Stanley Park abutted next to the aquarium, for more strolling. It’s a lush escape squished between the high rise towers and the bay. Down the paths through Douglas Firs, Western Hemlocks, and Spruce Trees, we wander, breathing in the fresh air given off by these glorious trees. Something black scurries across our path, then scampers back. The squirrels are black here. Black with big bushy tails. I have the bright idea of chasing one down. It scampers into the underbrush. Another one appears, and then another. I am childlike in my discover of these black squirrels. In my twenty years, I have only seen brown ones. Another discovery to add to the books. I gasp, something tall and colorful catches my eye.

Totem Poles!

There is a grouping of them here. I browse over the plaques and quickly learn a bit about their history. Totem poles were erected by Indian tribes to celebrate special occasions. Birds, wolves, whales, tribesman are stacked all telling a story. Birds are the kings of the air, whales of the sea, wolves of the land. There’s more of course, always and forever more. But I have not time or space to detail.

What makes this park so special is the sea wall that circles it. This two level wall complete with bike paths and walkways is the divide between water and earth.

Naturally, we decide to take advantage of this structure. So we join joggers, mothers pushing strollers, families walking dogs along the 5.5 mile path. On our right is Stanley Park, on our left is the strait leading out to the sea, and on the other side of the strait - mountains towering overhead. It’s the best of all worlds. Behemoth cruise ships are heading out to sea. Merrily we wave back at them and listen as others wish them bon voyage. A tiny seaplane flies overhead. Vancouver is the launchpad to western Canada and beyond.

Giant. Green. Bridge. The Lion Gate’s Bridge reaches forth across the strait connecting the two sides of Vancouver. It’s too tempting to drive across. So we do, for no other reason than to have the sheer experience of doing so. And in doing it, we get stuck on the other side in the afternoon traffic rush. Hey...you live and learn. The wait gives us more time to admire the royal lions bookending the two bases. Regal and authoritative. The approaching dusk is forcing us to rush, but there are more neighborhoods in the city we have yet to glimpse that are vital to the Vancouver experience.

First is Chinatown. And Don’t be mad, but I have to say it. (I report honestly) To me, it is no different than any other Chinatown that I have experienced in big cities. Fresh fruit and vegetables, everything in chinese, take out booths everywhere, giant red gate. If you’ve seen it once, you’ve seen them all. Nevertheless, the madness of actually experiencing a Chinatown is essential to a traveler’s experience.

Next is Gastown, what some refer to as the birthplace of this city. This neighborhood exudes character and originality. Pubs, boutiques, and tourist bauble shops line the brick streets complete with flower boxes in the windows. The first steam powered clock is located here, and we, like good tourists that we are, join the frenzy for the photo op. Why not? It’s an original.

The beautiful clock is detailed with flowers. Dainty on the outside, but intense on the inside. Penny and I study the intricate detail through the glass and discover that the inside mechanics are run by a ball and weight system powered by the steam that drifts out from the top. I WANT one!! But sadly am not getting one. There’s no way to get it home.

Mother’s stomach has now got the best of her. She is ready for dinner. It’s been a long time since smoked salmon this morning. Don’t give me a hard time...I do feed my mom. I swear! But sometimes when there is much to see, food becomes a distant thought.

So for her brilliant patience, we decide to have a quintessential British Columbia experience - a brewery. Yes, I’m taking my mother to a brewery. Yaletown Brewing Company to be exact hailed for its good food and delicious in-house brews.

The legal drinking age in BC is 19. Convenient being I’m 20. I choose a Brick and Brew IPA - the original recipe having sailed over in oak barrels from India. For it’s accompaniment, fresh fish and chips. Both are delicious. The beer is crisp and bitter. I soak the fresh flaky cod and the crispy thick potatoes in vinegar and savor every bite. Travis, Penny, and mom all rave about the choice. The atmosphere is lively, the food is delicious, and the day has been a grand success. We joyfully toast to our first successful day in Canada. Vancouver is unique...although that word falls short tremendously for proper description. The views are divine - pure nature and yet the convenience and art of the city. Brilliant food. Excellent beer. Fine art scene. Lovely aquarium. Great shopping. It’s worth the trip up here.

I tell mom to sip more beer when she asks me what we are doing tomorrow.

“I booked us on a zip line,” I mumble over my glass.

“A zip line?! Can I do that?” She asks taking a necessitated slug.

“Of course you can, Richard Branson did.” I reassure her.

“Ohhhhhhhh...” She takes another bite of food and I think the bullet has been dodged.

“It isn’t too high is it? you know I hate heights.” She asks me laughing.

I pat her back, “you’ll be fine. drink up.” I smile and propose another toast.

I’ll tell her tomorrow that the zip line is only 200 feet up in the air...

A Winner and a Loser: of Zeitgeist and the Yankees

Seattle, Washington

September 20, 2009

Day 4 of Pacific Northwest Journey

And on the seventh day, thou shalt in rest!!!

The Lord commanded it in the book of Genesis. Rest is a necessity of one’s life.

I know what you’re thinking...this is only our fourth day, but STILL we need rest. Every journey requires a restful day, and we have allotted today to be that day especially after yesterday’s rigorous activities. After a day of nothing but hiking over a mountain in the misting rain and the whipping wind, there is honestly nothing like sleeping in in a king sized bed curled up in a down blanket having coffee delivered to your room. AHH this is the life. Mom is watching her favorite channel, Fox News. Yes, she loves it still...although she has backed off tremendously from current affairs in the past year. I am in restful heaven when something on the desk catches my eye, and I sigh and bury my head in my pillow.

Writing post cards is not a talent that I possess. Think about it, you are supposed to fit in a ridiculously tiny square the details of your trip. If you know me, you know I have trouble with being succinct. I like to describe...everything. So post cards, frustrate me. But, I bought a whole pack of them yesterday at the guest center at Mount Rainier because the pictures on the front were so beautiful, I couldn’t resist. I’m a sucker for landscape photography. And as I stood in the check out, I was trying to be positive and tell myself this was a good social thing that I could do for people. Write them a quick little note, share with them a beautiful photo of the gorgeous Mount Rainier. After all, everyone loves to get mail.

Now they are lying on the desk almost as if they are daring me to write them, address them, stamp them, and mail them. “Why?” I ask myself, “Why did I buy them?”

I am also not one to waste things, so I crawl out of bed, grab a pen and start writing my short sentences that go along the lines of, “So beautiful here. So much fun. Wish you were here!” To know my true thoughts on Mount Rainier, read previous blog.

The four of us meet down in the lobby a little before lunchtime and decide to grab coffee before we go to the only thing we actually have planned for today.

America’s greatest pastime - a major league baseball game!!

Yes, we have tickets to watch the Seattle Mariners play the New York Yankees. I am so excited, for I love the Yankees. (this is a secret, but I actually scheduled this entire trip around today’s game because I knew we could get tickets. woop woop!!)

But before we start singing, “Take me out to the ball game,” and popping bubblegum, we absolutely must fuel ourselves with coffee, and being we are in coffee heaven, we decide to try another local and travel guide favorite, Zeitgeist. It’s located in a converted warehouse on S. Jackson street, just walking distance from Safeco field - the home of the Seattle Mariners.

Now, I am just going to go ahead and say this and not care what anyone says or thinks, because that’s just me...but this place is MY FAVORITE!! Yes, as far as coffee goes, we have a winner in the RL Wallace coffee book and it’s Zeitgeist. Basically, I walk in the door and fall in absolute love. The sound of coffee beans grinding hits me, and I know I’m home. It’s everything. The ambience of this establishment is nothing like you would expect from a converted warehouse. Finding the words is difficult, but I’ll give it a shot - (pun intended)

It’s artistic, yet sophistically trimmed, with local artist’s handiwork, hanging on their bricked walls. There is an underlining black and white theme going on here, with chrome accents. It’s edgy, chic, sophisticated, artsy, - it’s a dream. It also doesn’t hurt that the atmosphere is saturated with the smell of rich, espresso. Yes, yes, yes, I’m rubbing my hands together just waiting and wanting. I decide to order a vanilla dark chocolate mocha after I see on the elaborate menu that you can get either white, milk, or dark chocolate mochas - yes this is the place for me. When I’m offered the choice of which intensity of chocolate I want, I know I’m with the experts. The orders are placed and we take a seat in the corner against the window so we can watch the pedestrians outside. Yes, we are sipping and watching yet again...hey, when else are you going to do this?

Travis fetches the coffee tray for us ladies, and I wait...My mug arrives with mounds of whip cream on top.

I’m on vacation, I can splurge.

Travis has joined me on this mocha adventure, but mom and Penny have stuck to vanilla and hazelnut lattes. Theirs did not come with whip cream but they are embellished with leaves in the foam. Design and coffee marry well.

First sip.

My eyes flutter.

They tend to do that from time to time when I am completely overwhelmed by the taste of cuisine. It comes from years of being a food and coffee snob...yes, I’m pathetic - I’m already aware of that.

But back to this white mug that is absolutely making my day, week, month, year?

It is Whoa! The chocolate and vanilla are rich and flavorful without being overly sweet. The espresso is robust and dark without being overpowering going down smoothly. The milk is high quality and has been steamed to just the right temperature. The whip cream is billowy and tastes homemade. It’s coffee magic. It’s an absolute winner!! Looking around at my three companions faces, I can tell they are thinking the same thing. This coffee is unbelievingly AMAZING! Rich coffee is meant to be sipped, but we can’t help ourselves, we quickly drain our mugs.

Now, it’s baseball time!

We walk from Zeitgeist past Qwest Stadium, the home of the Seattle Seahawks, and head to it’s neighbor Safeco Field. It’s amazing how close these two are together. They are literally right beside each other. If both had a game scheduled on the same day, I would hate to see the traffic, both road and foot. It’s already manic with just people heading to the baseball stadium. If both were being filled at the same time, I couldn’t even imagine.

We have tickets on the first row of the upper level terrace complete with cushioned seats and a waitress - to the man who got us these tickets, I thank you very much.

The view is great, we can see everything from here. I decide to indulge in a park favorite and order garlic french fries smothered in ketchup. Yum, yum, yum.

Again, I’m on vacation!

Ball park music starts playing and the game begins!

Derek Jeter is first up to bat!

Woo hoo!

My all time favorite player.

This is what coming to the game is all about! Seeing your favorite players, being a part of the ball game atmosphere. Singing “Taking me out to the ballgame,” chewing bubblegum, eating hot dogs, (or in my case, garlic fries), cheering for your team when they get a run, booing for the other team when they get a run. Something to note, Alex Rodriguez is not liked here. I mean really not liked. When he steps up to bat, the entire stadiums boos him, and it has nothing to do with the Madonna scandal or his divorce. He used to play here...you don’t remember? Yeah, I didn’t either. It was a long time ago, and he left in a huff. Needless to say, there is no welcoming parade for him when he comes into town.

The four of us chat and watch the game...thoroughly enjoying being apart of this humming, sporting atmosphere.

Despite the Yankees playing terribly and finally losing, I am enjoying myself. This is the second time I’ve seen them play and they had the same outcome that game as well. Is there something about me being in the stadium? Do I throw them off their game? Is it too much to ask of the best team in the nation to actually win a game when I am in the ball field?

They lose 7-2 against the SEATTLE MARINERS. (There is consolation in that they do go on to win the world series in November. I sadly was absent for every game...or perhaps that was why they won)

I am dejected, but I can’t let their loss get me down. It’s more for the experience than the win. I was at the game, I had great fries, I saw Derek Jeter in the flesh...

We meet up with more friends and the lovely man who gave us the tickets afterwards and decide to have dinner later in Kirkland, another little branch of Seattle.

We have a couple hours to kill...so what do we decide to do? Sip and people watch. Where? Zeitgeist of course. After all, once you’ve reached perfection, there is no going back.

So we enjoy it yet again. You know it’s good if we went twice in one day.

Walking back to the coffee shop, we come across a homeless lady who is begging for money to take her dog to the vet. To my chagrin, my mother asks her what’s wrong with her dog, and after she goes on her long spill, my mom responds with, “Well, she looks just fine to me. She’s really pretty!”

I am hiding behind a pole, whispering, “Mom!! Mom MOM!” during this entire exchange.

I suppose without her half of my entertainment meter would be eliminated...I do really love her and her inquisitiveness towards the local community here...

Dinner is at a restaurant called Anthony’s right on the marina. They specialize in fresh seafood, and they aren’t lying. I have a delicious Tequila Lime Swordfish with fresh salsa on top alongside mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables. Umm WOW!

Again everyone from the table, is passing around their food comments and they are all positive. Halibut, Salmon Cakes, Clam chowder, grilled and marinated Salmon are all being past around and tasted by everyone, and no one is disappointed.

Despite everyone being beyond stuffed, we are urged to order dessert and again we decide on a couple to share, we get a huckleberry (the berry in season here in Washington state) cobbler with vanilla icecrem and a New York style cheesecake with huckleberry sauce on top.

Again the eye fluttering starts.

To finish the evening, we decide to take a walk around the Marina admiring the boats anchored here for the night. Some of them actually have residents cooking and sleeping on them. We walk through the adjoining park, and down the side streets lined with little boutiques and local restaurants and coffee shops. Kirkland is growing on me...just like this entire area is.

This day was low key, but it was just what we needed...We had some big winners - ZEITGEIST! and some losers - come on, YANKEES!! We had the extreme end of cuisines: yummy, greasy, garlicky fries to tequila marinated swordfish, but all of it was extremely delicious. It’s a perfect restful day: coffee, sports, and food...yes...yes...yes...

You may be wondering why I ordered a day of rest today...well that may have something to do with the fact that we embark for Canada bright and early tomorrow morning...

“Eh?”

Happy traveling : - )

Mountains are for climbing!!! Or, hiking in my case...

Mount Rainier

Washington

September 19, 2009

Day 3 of Pacific Northwest Journey

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Especially if you are going to climb a mountain. Well, I say climb, but technically it’s hike. I really shouldn’t say climb. Climbing is hard core. We are hiking. We are staying flat footed on paths, not hanging from the side of cliffs. So if I say climb, I mean hike, but climbing just sounds so much cooler!

But anyways back to this breakfast - it’s massive! This plate is a mountain man’s plate. Easily, it could feed four, maybe five people. Cheese omelet, hashbrowns, a biscuit, mini blueberry muffins, and fruit are all sitting in front of me to be eaten. There’s no way. There’s eight of us at the table: mom and I, Travis and Penny, Libby and Eric, and Libby’s parents, and none of us can finish our food. We are in a little sleepy town about an hour and a half from Mount Rainier National Park, and we are all humming with excitement. Not even the blanket of fog and drizzle of rain outside can discourage us!

Driving down the road with a wall of trees lining the way like soldiers at attention, we are welcomed by a sign, that reads “Mount Rainier National Park”. We are entering a world that is all about the nature. Beautiful, untouched nature. Nature, we want to conquer! It is still raining. Something which we are moaning about. None of us want to hike in the rain, but right now we don’t have a choice.

Our first stop is the Grove of the Patriarchs, a mile and a half loop, that takes us through a green wonderland complete with giant red cedars, western hemlocks, and douglas firs. Giant isn’t really giving these trees justice. Think of the ents in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, these structures are beasts. Some of these trees are hitting 1,000 years old and are averaging 25ft around.

Forget the jungle! Welcome, to the forest.

We encounter fallen trees that really bring these trunks into perspective. We take many candid shots with our heads next to the trunks just to put their width into perspective. Red bark! These trees have red bark! My curiosity gets the best of me, and I can’t help but pick at it. But then I am reminded by my fellow hikers of a sign at the beginning of the trail, “Please leave the nature as you found it....”

Yeah...

Eric points out the largest slug I have ever seen. Everything about this placed would be considered value size.

Turning a corner, I spy the unexpected - a suspension bridge. This is like something out of a dream for me. I run to the halfway point just as it starts shaking. My friends think it’s funny if they swing me back and forth. We’ll see who is laughing later. Surprisingly, we actually obey the one person at a time rule and continue deeper into the forest.

We come upon another fallen tree, this time with the actual roots sticking out onto the path. There is a whole in middle leading into the hallow inside. Penny and I look at each other, and both immediately know we are crawling in.

I’m speechless. This forest is like nothing I have ever seen before. I feel like I have stepped back in time, into a world that is nothing but nature. I am so lost in the wonder that I, along with everyone else completely forget about the drizzle. Of course, that may be due to the giant canopy of leaves and branches overhead that are drinking up every single drop.

Driving on through the park, we stop again at Box Canyon where we peer down a mere 180ft drop and watch water surging through the rock crevice below. The water is rushing so fast, it has rubbed the sides of the mountain smooth. Beautiful, and jaw dropping in its own right, but this is not our destination. For that, we have to return to our cars and drive. Drive up, up, up.

Welcome to Paradise, the unofficial gateway to the mountain, and perhaps the most popular launching point for those who actually want to climb this mountain. We will not be doing that today being none of us are trained to climb this 14,410ft active volcano; however we are going to take advantage of the hiking trails that emerge from the inn and deluxe visitor center located here.

The rain has thankfully subsided, but the wind, the wind is brutal up here on the mountain. We all trudge into the visitor center to have a look around and to freshen up before heading up. Penny and mother encounter a group of college students warming by the fire. The girls recount how rough the wind was up there, so bad that they had to stop.

That was all it took.

Mom and Penny were not going up the mountain!

What??

“Mother, explain to me how you can justify flying across the country, driving here to the park, coming this far up the mountain only to give up now at the base of the trails?” I ask unbelievingly.

“Simple, I’m cold! I’m going to take a nap in the car. You guys have fun.” And with that she smiles lovingly and with Penny following her, heads back to the car to take a nap.

A NAP!

I look at the others, “please tell me, we are going hiking!” I moan childishly.

“Of course we are!”

So now the six of us head up the hill.The trail leading out of the Paradise Inn is called the Skyline Trail - a name that would definitely earn its meaning later.

It’s easy going. We meander our way up the trail drinking in the beauty of the surrounding views. Despite it being mid-September, some wildflowers are still in bloom, giving us a gift of vibrant colors ranging from red to blue. Firs and hemlocks make our perimeter a beautiful rich green. Fog still hangs low preventing us from viewing the actual mountain peak, but knowing that I’m actually on it - despite what level - is an exuberant feeling.

We take a rest at Myrtle Falls. We stand on the bridge looking into the plunge below and take photo after photo.

Once a tourist...always a tourist...

There is now a fork in the the trail: Golden Gate or Skyline?

Looking at our maps, we see that they end up connecting at the top of the ridge. So I am told to just start walking in a direction and that’s the one we will enjoy.

Golden Gate is straight ahead and from the looks of it reaches the ridge sooner than Skyline does, so I opt for Golden Gate wanting a challenge.

Continuing on, the climb begins to get steeper.

Running six miles a day at home is starting to pay off.

I notice that everyone is starting to huff around me. Well...it should be fine. The wind is picking up the farther up we climb, making the air considerably cooler.

We meet a stream, our only option is to “pebble” our way over.

Jump from stone to stone.

This is childishly thrilling for me.

Now we are at the base of a near vertical hike. The path zig zags up the mountain up into the fog. The people ahead of us are turning into dots as they press forward into the distance.

My adrenaline starts pumping. This is the kind of thing I have been looking forward to. This is the kind of adventure I’ve had in mind when I imagined being at Mount Rainier. This is what I have been so eagerly awaiting!!

I start walking and suddenly realize that I’m alone. I look back. Everyone is standing there looking at me and then looking at the top of the ridge.

“Yeah, we don’t think we want to go up there.”

“What?” I ask gobsmacked. Immediately, I tell myself to be calm. I mean we are all up here together. Don’t freak out. Just listen to what they have to say. After all, we aren’t meant to do everything in life. Sometimes we miss out on things. It wouldn’t be the end of the world if I didn’t go up to the top of the mountain. Would it?

Oh man, but I really, really want to go. I really want to go up to the top. I really want to see the views. I really want hike!!! I have been imagining this in my mind for months, blood pumping, breath flowing, body moving up up up. And now...

Instead of saying anything I just stare up towards the top of the ridge while the others discuss what they want to do.

Some want food, some want water, some don’t like the wind and the cold. All completely understandable reasons. After all this is no walk in the park by any means.

They make a decision.

“We’re going back,” They say and turn to go.

Disappointed, I hang my head low, but I have to be a trooper.

“You really want to go up there don’t you?” Travis suddenly says.

I look up hopeful. “Yes...”

“Then let’s go. We can go up to the top at least while they go get some food. If you want to...”

I eagerly nod.

It’s a plan. The other four are going to go get nourishments and Travis and I are going to the the top of the Golden Gate Trail, straight up the zig zag path. We are going up the mountain.

Travis and I are both runners so we figure this would be a test of endurance and strength. We join in with the few others who are braving this trail and head up.

Zig

Zag

Back and forth.

Up and Up.

The path got steeper, rockier. I notice our breathing became shallower.

We pass some people and then some people pass us.

Suddenly a shrieking sound pierces the air.

I freeze and immediately look around.

“WHAT WAS THAT?” I exclaim.

“Marmot.” Travis replies laughing.

“A marmot?” I scan my brain for any references. Nothing. “What is a marmot?”

“There” He points to a white fur ball perched on a rock below. The ball moves. The creature reminds me of a giant guinea pig, or a white flapless beaver. He scuttles over the rock to another one and again the shrieking.

“That’s my first marmot.” I tell him. “I’ve never seen anything like that. THAT’S so cool! I’ve discovered a new creature at the age of 20! Woo hoo! Life experience!”

“Well, then it was totally worth, hiking up here.” He smiles.

We make it to the top, I admit, a little breathless, but regardless we did it! I look at the trail signs and I look at my map. I was secretly hoping we could just finish the loop, but I wasn’t sure if he would buy it. “You know the distances are almost the same.” I tell him. (And they are. Well, ok the loop is maybe a half a mile longer, but what’s half a mile when you run six every day?)

“The views will be worth it.” He resigns.

And oh are they!!!

From the top of the ridge we can look out and see the valley below from which we have just come from. To think, that the tiny dots of people below was us perhaps an hour earlier is exhilarating. On the other side the mountain continued up, but obviously that would have to be put off...

One day...one day, I think to myself.

We begin our descent into another beautiful valley complete with wildflowers and gurgling streams. Thankfully, the great keepers of Mount Rainier National Park have erected wooden bridges for crossing. On our way down, we have two extremes: the remains of glaciers from the previous snow and ice season on our left and a precipice on our right. Travis repeatedly warns me to keep away from the edge.

“Your mother will never speak to me again if you fall off.”

I get as close as I possibly can. The views are jaw dropping. I am now in the midst of the fog. This is as close to God as you can get in nature. Standing on a precipice, overlooking a valley that appears only when the fog drifts out, I have to hold my hat down from the whipping wind. If it flies off, it’s gone for good.

Is this what it’s like to drift above the earth? I thank God for this nature, for the beauty in every detail. The trees, the rocks, the flowers, the wind - all of it is evidence of His beautiful design.

Travis and I decide to make the downhill hike interesting and run! I do NOT recommend this. We are foolish, foolish people who will sprint any chance we get. But while we are running, I start thinking about what would happen if one of us fell. If we broke something, miles up on this mountain, the other would have to go fetch help. Looking back, this was not smart...at all, but during, it was a absolute rush. The other hikers we pass look at us like we are crazy...which we are. Entering the meadow below, I am instantly hit with the resemblance the landscape has to the Lord of the Rings. I know Tolkien never visited here, but it’s almost as if he sat in this valley and wrote Frodo’s adventure.

Travis and I remark this to each other (we’re both huge fans) and almost feel like we are on our own adventure, nothing as important or significant as carrying a forbidden ring to Mount Doom; but you know not all of us can have such an important job as the hobbit.

We circle back around thinking we are done, but we start climbing again. Now the running is getting to me. The rising altitude and the lack of water are suddenly hitting me. We are now on the other side of the hill and the drop is now on our left. On our right is forest leading up into the mountain. We cross another bridge over a waterfall. It would not be good idea to monkey around and fall off this bridge.

I take more and more photos. This is something I want to remember for the rest of my life. This hike is becoming one of the best things I have ever done.

Just when the exhaustion is hitting me, we emerge and are back at the crossroads. The map showed that we would circle around. We leave the skyline trail and head back to the inn. The trail earned its name, we were one with the sky. We were lost in the fog.

To reward ourselves, we pick up our friends and eat an absolutely, positively, necessary greasy, yummy, gigantic plate of fish and chips on the drive back toward Seattle.

The day started with a giant breakfast and ended with fish and chips, but what better way to reward yourself, when you’ve conquered the beast of a mountain.

Happy climbing ; )